#Nonpareil pattern

[uwmspeccoll]

Marbled Monday

This lovely sandy or striated-rock-like marbling is part of the binding of the book Culs de Lampe by the Gehenna Press, a fine arts press founded by American artist and graphic designer Leonard Baskin (1922-2000) in 1942. This book was published by the press in 1968. The paper is Nideggen and Fabriano blue and white and master printer Harold McGrath (1922-2000), who also printed for Barry Moser's Pennyroyal Press, was the printer.

The book consists of a series of culs-de-lampe, a subset of tailpieces that take a particular shape reminiscent of the bottom of a lamp (hence the name). These designs are often used at the bottom of pages or ends of sections or chapters of a book. Those seen here are printed in black, blue, green, and red and range in date from 1564-1680.

The marbled paper is a large nonpareil pattern. You can still see the underlying zig-zag or gel-git pattern that is the foundation of the nonpareil pattern (and most combed patterns). The colors are earthy browns and greys and remind me of sand or a cross-section of sedimentary rock. The binding was done by Gray Parrot, who has also bound editions for the likes of Dard Hunter's Mountain House Press and Henry Morris' Bird & Bull Press.

View more Marbled Monday posts.

View more posts related to the Gehenna Press.

-- Alice, Special Collections Department Manager

[feral-ferrule]

Saturday's Child, Chapter 3

Fic overview: The Bad Batch modern AU. Echo/OC this is part of the Hunter and the Librarian universe by @clonethirstingisreal in which the Batch brothers live together, raising Omega.

OC Althea is a university student with a medical delivery job. Echo is a combat veteran who volunteers at the VA hospital where they meet.

Warnings: akward and uncomfortable social situations, unwanted male attention, but nothing scary or violent. Mentions of disability and prosthetics, mutual attraction dynamics. Very tame still.

Notes: This chapter introduces Tulip, @substantial-exposure ‘s OC who also lives in the Library AU

🌺🌺🌺🌺🌺🌺🌺🌺🌺🌺🌺🌺

Ding!

Althea pulled the brownies out and set them on the stove to cool, leaving the oven open to warm her little studio more. It was colder than it had been in a while and had rained the night before. Outside clouds were breaking up and blue skies were peaking through.

She tidied up a bit before copying her notes from the previous week’s classes then checked the brownies. They were cool so she heated up some cream and added chocolate chips, stirred it into a thick glossy ganache. She let that cool a little and spread the chocolate over the brownies giving it a swirly texture with the icing knife. After searching which teams were playing in the Super Bowl and what their team colors are, she pulled out the box of baking sprinkles she had collected. She found some jimmies, nonpareils, and stars in the colors she needed and shook each team's colors over half the pan each. There, she thought, kids’ll like that. Assuming there’s more kids and Tech was the big brother and the rest were more Omega’s age, she couldn’t remember if they’d mentioned that. Just to be safe she hadn’t put any nuts in these since she didn’t know if any of them were allergic.

Now what to wear? She was tempted to just throw on some jeans and a hoodie and leave it at that. But her jeans were muddy from helping her landlord with his compost pile. Why not dress up a little? she said to herself. It was pretty chilly so she opted for black fleece-lined leggings that had a subtle geometric pattern on them, a dark plum sweater dress that was pretty short, black weatherproof slip-on sheepskin boots with extra fluff at the top and one of her own crocheted duster cardigans made from recycled yarn from thrifted cashmere sweaters. It was extra snuggly and intricately stitched with mandalas and hearts. Althea took down her hair from the bun it was twisted into and brushed it out into soft waves. She put on some mascara and a bit of lip gloss.

She rummaged through her jewelry box. There were several pieces she avoided, making a mental note to finally get rid of them. Maybe put them on eBay or better yet just donate them and get it over with. She picked out long dangly silver earrings, a long silver chain necklace with a pink quartz crystal pendant and her stacks of bangles and charm bracelet. Then she pulled on a slouchy hat made from a dark pink wool felt. She checked her reflection in her full length mirror and caught herself slouching and looking a little depressed. She took a deep breath and straightened up, vowing to not let the bad memories ruin her evening.

Grabbing her slouchy black purse, rain jacket, umbrella, and the pan of brownies, she locked up and unlatched the heavy wood gate in the fence. Some vines from the ivy trained across the top of the lintel above the gate had blown down in the storm and it was in the way when she tried closing it. She tried pushing it and closing the gate, but was one handed.

“Hey I got that.” said a man’s voice behind her. She spun around and saw the landlord’s son. Ugh, always a jump scare with him. He reached up over her head and pulled at the vines which didn’t budge. His hand slid along them breaking off some of the leaves. Althea moved away from him.

“Thank you, Heath. Maybe just tuck them up out of the way,” Althea said. “Have a nice day.”

“Wait, where are you going?” He asked. She rolled her eyes and turned around.

“Super Bowl party,” she said casually, “bye.”

“Where?”

She walked around to the driver's side and unlocked her car. “Across town, why?”

“Oh just thought maybe it was near here.”

“Alright, gotta go, don’t wanna be late.” She ducked into her car without waiting for his reply which would probably have been to string the conversation along. She plopped everything down on the passenger seat. He bent down and waved at her through the window as she started the car, deciding to not pull up the address on her phone then and there. Heath was odd and he didn’t have good boundaries. He made her nervous. She hoped he was just visiting his dad for Super Bowl and would be gone.

She pulled over a few blocks down the street and pulled up her phone’s map app and searched the address Omega had given her. She saw it was just down the street from the park she saw Echo at. Huh, ok she knew how to get there. She set the phone on its magnet dash mount and continued driving.

**********

“She’s here!” Omega shouted from the window. She’d staked it out when the pregame show started.

Hunter gave Wren’s hand a squeeze and kissed the side of her head, “You ok if I go run some interference?” he says into her hair. If it was Echo’s Althea he wanted to give Echo the ability to be surprised without a big audience and to not have to struggle to get up from sitting to greet her.

Wren, who had been updated on the possibility of who may be coming, took a deep breath, “Yeah I’m dying to see how this plays out. I’m ok, go,” she whispered. He got up, giving Tech a side glance, Tech nodded. Wrecker was ogling the cheerleaders in the pregame show, but Crosshair was watching Hunter and Tech from where he sat with Tulip. His eyes squinted, suspiciously.

Hunter intercepted Echo who was returning from the bathroom. “Echo, can you help me in the kitchen? I just want your opinion on the chili.”

“Sure,” Echo says, looking back at Omega and Tech at the front door curiously. He and Hunter disappear back in the kitchen as Althea gets one knock on the door before Omega throws it open.

“You came!” Omega cheered.

“Of course, sweetie,” Althea said, eyes wide with surprise. She patted her with her free hand as Omega squeezed her in a quick hug.

“Come in and meet everyone!” Omega’s cheeriness was warming Althea’s heart and putting her at ease in front of what looked like several adult people all watching her.

“Thank you for coming, can I take your coat?” said Tech, holding out his hands.

“Thank you, Tech,” she said, charmed and amused by his formality. He took her rain jacket, bag and umbrella and put them in the entryway closet. She quickly scanned the room. There were family photos on the wall and it was clean and simple. Something smelled delicious.

“This is Allie, everyone,” Omega announced. “This is my brother Wrecker, that’s my brother Crosshair and Tulip, and this is Wren.”

She smiled at everyone in turn, making her own observations. Wrecker was absolutely huge but felt very warm and friendly. Crosshair and Tulip, who were clearly together, made a beautiful edgy couple. Althea noticed her look at the suspicious glare on his face and elbow him. And Wren had strikingly pretty hair and seemed sweet, but shy to be meeting a new person. “Its nice to meet you all.”

Wrecker and Crosshair looked at eachother. “We thought you’d be a kid like Omega,” Wrecker laughed.

“Oh?” she looked at Tech who swallowed, smiling nervously.

“What did you say your name was?” asked Crosshair.

“I’m Althea, but Omega calls me Allie,” she smiled at Omega.

Wrecker and Cross look at each other again and Wrecker opened his mouth to say something, but Tech made the zip your lips sign over Althea’s head. Wrecker got the cue and clamped his mouth shut and looked confused.

“Ohhhh are those brownies??” Omega asked,

“Yep, just made them this morning.”

“And they have the team colors, look Tech. Let’s take them back to the kitchen, you can meet my other brothers, and get a snack, we’re having a baked potato bar and hot dogs,” Omega implored, tugging on Althea’s arm.

“Oh? There's more brothers?” Althea asked, giving the other women a surprised look as she turned and followed Omega toward the back of the house. Passing the staircase Althea noticed they were bare wood with non slip traction tape on them. She sees a rugged, darker? looking man in a flannel first then another man in a hoodie stirring something on the stove and stopped in her tracks, almost dropping the brownies.

“These are my brothers, Hunter and Echo,” Omega said cheerily as ever. Echo turned his head to look and dropped the spoon in the large pot as he turned fully around.

“Althea?” Echo asked, his face a picture of disbelief and confusion mixed with delight as his brain registered who this new woman in his house was.

“Echo, what?- are you?-“ She stumbled over her questions as her heart squeezed at how cute he looked surprised and in his home clothes. She bit her lip and tried to focus on the present as the memory of him working out in the park resurfaced.

“Do you know eachother?” Omega asked. She looked at each of them.

Hunter stepped over and took the brownies, “Nice to meet you finally, Althea,” he said, and gave Echo a wink. Omega squinted at him suspiciously.

Althea tore her eyes away from Echo to force herself to be polite, “Thank you, Hunter, nice to meet you, too.” Up close she could see the skull tattoo covering half his face. She wondered about that and looked if it continued down his neck, noticing a platinum hair glinting on his shoulder. Aha, Wren’s guy, she realized.

Echo gazed at her. Hair down, pretty eyes, sparkly lips, a soft short dress hugged her figure under a soft sweater coat. A stone on a long necklace nestled between her breasts. Her leggings, furry boots, all soft. So soft looking. He wanted to reach out and feel her and as Althea looked back over at him he suddenly felt harsh and goofy. Like a mechanical Adam Sandler in his basketball shorts and hoodie. He was grateful that he had just put his knit cap on.

Tech came in and surveyed the scene, “Ah, I was certain you were Echo’s Althea,” he said smugly.

“Echo’s?” Althea asked as she raised her eyebrows a little at Tech then turned back to Echo and gave him a hint of a smile. She watched him blush down to his neck, swallow then shoot Tech a glare.

“I’m simply saying-“ Tech began.

“Come on you two,” Hunter said as he turned Meg and Tech around by the shoulders and herded them out to the living room.

“But I want to show Allie-“ Omega's protests faded as they left.

Althea looked back at Echo and tried to hide her giggle at his siblings.

Echo shook his head, “Sorry about Tech he’s-“

“I know, I met him before. It’s ok,” Althea chuckled.

“So this was your plans then?” Echo asked.

“Yep, well this and studying, like usual,” she sighed.

“No date tonight?” Echo immediately cringed inside, feeling that was going too far.

“Well maybe after all,” Althea blinked slowly, her lips in a coy smile.

Echo's eyes widened.

“So. What’s cooking,” she asks, drawing nearer to him.

His brain had derailed and he smiled, almost mesmerized by her.

“On the stove,” she added, eyes teasing.

“Oh yeah-this is chili that Hunter made from scratch. Potatoes and hot dogs should be done before the game starts.

“Can I help with anything?”

“No, you’re our guest.”

“Echo, I want to help.”

“Sure ok,” he acquiesced, going to the fridge, “can you chop up the bacon?” Would you like something to drink? He pulled out a ziplock bag of bacon that was already cooked and showed her the fridge’s supply of soft drinks.

“Thank you I’ll have something later, after I chop this.” She grasped the ziploc bag in his prosthetic hand but he had a fast grip on it.

“Oh sorry I have to think about it to let go.” He focused, his hand opened, releasing the bag to her.”

“Wow, you control it with your mind?” she asked, astonished.

Echo released a breath he’d been holding, figuring her reaction was a very good sign. “It’s not as cool as you make it sound.”

“Seems pretty cool to me,” she said as she watched his prosthetic fingers open and close. She wanted to touch it but didn’t want to make it weird. She looked from it to his face and smiled, it felt nice to be with him and not have to run away. She should tell him that, she thought.

Echo cleared his throat, “The, uh, the knives and cutting mats are here,” he said and he stepped over and pulled out a drawer down the counter from the stove. As Althea picked out a mat and knife he set out a bowl for her to put the bacon in.

“I saw cilantro in the fridge. If you’re not saving that I could chop that up too. If you have everything I could make a salsa.”

Echo made a face, “Just don’t get the cilantro in anything else it tastes like soap.”

“Oh I don’t have to-“

“No, no it’s fine, the others like it.” He smiled at her and wanted to smack himself for seeming too rigid and picky.

They heard some clunking and bumping and Omega staggered in with the project and set it down on the table. It was pretty big, almost too big for her to carry down the stairs. “I’m just about done.” Omega sounded proud.

“Oh wow, Omega,” Althea said as she transferred the chopped bacon into the bowl. She went over to the table and gave it a good look. It was a cleverly constructed and painted model of an historical building and surrounding trees and structures. “Oh look at this- you even have a little cat in the window! And chickens! This is delightful, you did such a great job.” Omega beamed like a beacon at the praise and flicked a switch on the side making the windows light up.

“Tech helped me with the lights but I did everything else.”

The doorbell rang. Someone answered and a new pair of voices carried to the kitchen. They were kind of familiar sounding to Althea. Omega stopped fiddling with her project and skipped out of the kitchen looking excited. Althea went back over to the bacon bits and took them to the counter where all the food was being set out. Echo was grating cheese. She went back and started chopping the salsa vegetables that Echo had set out while she was admiring Omega’s project. He set out quite a few. She only cut into a third of everything, which was plenty.

“Uncle Jesse! Uncle Kix!” Omega practically shouted.

Kix? Althea wondered as she listened to what sounded like greetings and introductions. She noticed Echo seemed to straighten up then deflate and frown a little. He’d forgotten they were coming over. She was about to go peak when Hunter came back with them. “And then they drove their fire engine right onto the basketball courts,” Omega was babbling about something that happened at school to them. It was definitely Kix the paramedic. Next to him was another man who looked just like him but was a bit taller and broader and had a real swagger about him. He had a large circular tattoo across his shaved head and face. Gorgeous, really, she thought, probably a jerk. Althea worked on the vegetables while watching the room out of the corner of her eye.

They set down beer and a bag of pretzels on the counter by all the other snacks, ruffled Omega's hair and went over to Echo. Crosshair appeared, gave Hunter a raised eyebrow and glanced at the newcomers. Hunter shrugged and Cross disappeared into the bathroom.

“How you been, man? Still at the VA?” Jesse asked Echo, embracing him in a big backslapping hug. “Yeah, still helping out,” Echo answered, turning to Kix. Kix hugged him while looking over at Althea, recognition dawning on his face as they parted with pats on each other’s backs. Echo was still talking to Jesse but Althea didn’t register the conversation.

“Hey,” Kix said over his shoulder, smiling big, his eyes roving her figure. Did he just elbow the other guy? Althea was trying to ignore him as long as possible. Jesse looked over to see what caught his brother’s attention. His eyes grew keen and interested looking at Althea as she put the chopped onions, tomatoes, peppers and cilantro into a couple bowls and washed her hands. Echo eyed Jesse and Kix as they watched her drying her hands on a tea towel. Hunter stepped forward, sensing the tension.

“Hey boys this is-“

“Althea,” says Kix, smiling. Hunter’s eyebrows betrayed his surprise and he stepped back a bit.

“Hi Kix,” Althea said with a tiny hint of annoyance.

“Is this your prior engagement? Looks like Echo beat me to the punch,” he smirked, clapping Echo’s shoulder.

“Actually, I invited Althea first,” said Omega who was observing everyone and fiddling with her project.

“I was the one who established that she was free today,” Tech called from the kitchen entryway, swapping out Crosshair in the bathroom. Crosshair got Hunter's attention. Hunter looked over at Echo, raised an eyebrow and gave Jesse and Kix a glance. Echo gave him the tiniest nod and blink which was good enough for Hunter who left the room with Crosshair.

“Hey I was the one who really asked her!” Omega called out to Tech’s back.

“It was a team effort,” Althea laughed while walking the bowls over to the rest of the food, “But Echo did invite me, although I didn’t realize all the invites were for the same exact party,” she added looking at Omega.

“Guess I was meant to be here,” she smiled at Echo catching his eyes.

Jesse and Kix followed her over. “This is my brother Jesse,” Kix said, studying her eyes for interest. He was either willfully blind or just couldn’t read her cues.

“You were definitely meant to be here,” Jesse practically purred and took her hand and kissed the back of it while maintaining eye contact. Althea blushed deeply. Jesse turned to stand on her other side, effectively boxing her in with his brother. And I thought Kix was cocky, she thought to herself. She was about to excuse herself to the bathroom or anywhere when-

“Excuse me,” Echo growled, shouldering his way between her and Jesse to set the pot of chili on a large trivet. “Potatoes should be done soon, help yourself to snacks.” He went back to grating cheese.

Althea could feel tension radiating off the three of them. She started to walk out of the kitchen for that bathroom when the way out was filled up by a huge figure.

“Hey kickoff in three, guys,” Wrecker said as he came in. Althea craned her neck to watch him as he walked up next to her to grab some chips. He looked down at her, his face breaking out in a big grin, crinkling around his eyes. His real and glass eyes, Althea noticed. “Did you get a drink, Allie? Althea?”

She smiles up at him, “Either name's fine. Echo offered already. I just didn’t pick one yet.”

“You want one of these?” asked Jesse, as he pulled a can out of one of the packs they brought.

“Oh ho- that’ll put hair in your chest!” Wrecker laughed.

Althea eyed the label. Triple Barrel IPA,10%. Absolute swill, Althea mused. “I have to drive, I’ll stick with soft drinks. Thanks though.”

She scooted over to where Wrecker was opening the refrigerator and pulling out soda waters and colas. She picked out a bubbly water. Jesse cracked open the beer and leaned over to Kix who was patiently listening to Omega give a tour of her project. “So that’s the one you told me about, yeah?” He said over a swig.

”Mmhmm, real flirty,” Kix hummed as they headed out to the living room. Wrecker followed them with a plate of chips and salsa and a cola.

Flirty? Althea tried to think of when she’d ever flirted with him. She felt a bit bothered by that. This wasn’t the first time a guy thought she was “a flirt.”

The room instantly felt less charged when they left. Althea sighed and looked over at Echo who was glaring toward the living room and putting the cheese in a bowl. He’d heard that comment, too, and saw that she’d heard it and noticed her confusion and her sparkle dim a little. He didn’t like that. She was really just a nice person and those two were circling her like sharks.

“They are our cousins,” Omega said, Althea turned to her. “Well, they are Echo’s brothers on his side but also basically our cousins but they are like my uncles so I’ve always called them Uncle.”

Althea was very confused and looked over at Echo, “Your side?”

Echo said, ”It’s a long story, big family.”

“So you are all siblings here though?”

“Yes,” he explains, “they are all full siblings and are my half siblings.” He checked the potatoes. “These need ten,” he said as he closed the oven.

“Omega!” Hunter called. Omega went out to see what he wanted and came right back. She lifted the model off the table, “Hunter said I have to put this away,” she said and walked carefully up the stairs with it.

Althea watched her then turned to Echo. He was finishing cleaning up some stray cheese and had sort of a hard sadness in his eyes. She felt like he probably didn’t like her or was upset with her which was confusing and started to make her feel bad but then she realized she was just picking up on his feelings. Ugh, why do I do this? she grumbled at herself. She picked up her drink and walked closer to him. “Echo? Sounds like the game started, wanna go watch?”

He looked up from wiping off his hands and carefully inspecting the prosthetic one for water or debris. His golden eyes softened. She looked at each of them in turn and then at his mouth as the corners twitched up. “Or we can hang out in here. If you’d rather.” He really smiled at that and she stepped a little closer to him. The sound of small feet thundering down the steps interrupted the haze Echo was trying to find his words in. Omega popped in the kitchen. He side eyed Omega and Althea stifled a laugh.

“Hey Althea, do you want to come out to watch the game? There’s plenty of seats, we brought the garage couch in so everyone can fit.” She said that part like it was a very exciting development.

Althea smiled at her and turned back to Echo, “Well you guys went to all the effort I’ll definitely go watch with you.” She tipped her head toward the living room.

Echo sighed, “Yeah Meg we’re coming.”

They followed Omega out to the living room. What’s your favorite part of superbowl, Allie? I like the commercials,” Omega bounced onto the larger couch between Hunter and Tech. Wren was at the end by Hunter and Wrecker was next to Tech. Crosshair and Tulip were now sharing a large stuffed chair, her legs in his lap. Jesse and Kix were on the other couch. Next to them was a recliner by the window.

“The commercials are my favorite, too,” Althea said as she approached the couch to leave the recliner for Echo. She noticed his jacket he usually wore at the hospital on the back of it and figured that it was his usual spot. Jesse and Kix slid apart from each other to make room between them.

But Echo touched her elbow and held his arm out to offer the chair gently leading her over. “Please,” he said and she met his eyes. “There’s a cup holder on the arm.” He took the can out of her hand and put it in that spot. “It has a remote that will recline it and it has heat,” he explained as she sat down. She blinked at him feeling cared for and her heart felt fluttery and her elbow tingled. The chair was a bit higher than the couch she noticed with some concern as he motioned for Jesse to move over to the middle and he eased himself down with his hand on the arm of the couch.

“Aw come on!” yelled Wrecker at a referee on the screen. He and Crosshair started arguing about the play.

Jesse elbowed Echo, getting his attention. He inclined his head briefly to Althea. “So you calling dibs?”

Echo scowled back at him. Jesse held his fist low for a bump. “It’s all good man, make your move though,” he looked over at Kix who was facing the TV, but had his eyes turned to Althea.

“His foot was clearly over the line,” Tech joined in the argument across the room. Crosshair shook his head and scoffed. Althea was trying not to laugh while Tulip rolled her eyes.

The kitchen timer beeped shrilly. Echo started leaning forward and Althea could tell the low couch would be giving him a challenge. “I’ll go check the potatoes,” Althea said, jumping up. She grabbed her soda and could feel three sets of eyes linger on her as she walked around the couches.

She pinched one of the potatoes in the oven, it seemed soft so she looked around for mits or towels to grab them out with. “Let us help you,” said a woman’s voice behind her. Althea looked around and saw Tulip and Wren. She smiled, “thanks, do you know where the oven mits are?” Wren was already fishing a pair out of a drawer. She pulled the cookie sheet of potatoes out onto the stove and Tulip searched the cabinets finding a platter. “These guys never put anything away in the same place twice.” she sighed. Wren put the potatoes onto the platter and covered them with a clean tea towel.

Tulip tapped at her phone and music started playing on a little speaker on the table. She adjusted the volume up just enough to mask their voices and turned to Althea, smiling and a little excited to be in the middle of some family tea, “Ok- So who all invited you here?” Tulip asked. Althea smirked, she was sure this was a better show than the game.

Tech appeared at the kitchen entrance and walked over to the snacks to get the chips and salsa he saw Wrecker eating. He looked over at the women and froze, noticing they’d stopped talking and were all staring at him, Tulip looking a little fierce.

“I’ll just, uh, yeah.” He turned tail and left with his plate.

“Well, I met Omega and Tech at the store on Monday and they asked me there.” She began, looking at both of them. “Then Echo a couple days after that, and then Kix on Friday. I had no idea they were all related or it was all for the same party.”

Wren and Tulip looked at eachother. Wren explained, “But Tech figured out you must be who Echo knew from work so he didn’t really ask for himself. Hunter explained this all to me earlier. Tech had asked him about the situation and if he should tell Echo that Althea was coming, but Hunter said keep it quiet in case she’s a different Althea. Also Hunter had mentioned the party to Jesse and Kix when we saw them a couple weeks ago.”

“Wow that’s really wild,” Tulip huffed a laugh.

“And a little bit awkward,” Althea added, looking toward the living room. They laughed and Wren, realizing the hotdogs never got grilled, pulled them and sour cream from the fridge and the buns from the pantry.

“Should I go get Hunter to grill these or should we pan fry them in here?” Wren asked about the hotdogs.

“I’ll grill them myself. It's a gas grill on the patio, right?” Tulip said. “Follow me.”

They went out and scared a little calico cat who was eating out of a bowl on a table. “It’s not too cold I guess, shouldn’t start raining for a bit,” said Wren, removing the cover off the grill. Tulip fired it up with her lighter and closed the lid to let it heat up. She turned around to face Althea.

“So. Would you have said yes to the others if you hadn’t run into Tech and Omega?” Tulip wondered.

Althea thought about that. It sounded a little like she was asking who she liked without asking. “Yes, well maybe. I’m a little raw from my last relationship. But Echo was so sweet about it.”

“How long ago?” asked Wren.

“It’s been a year.”

“Girl, it’s time. You gotta get yourself out there,” Tulip said, and waved the tongs in her black and silver manicure up and down at her. “You are too cute to keep to yourself.”

“Yeah but it, it was bad. I haven't felt I can trust anyone again.”

“You can trust these guys,” Wren said softly.

“Yeah the whole family is solid,” Tulip agreed. She opened the grill and scrubbed the rack with the grill brush. Althea noticed they could use a new one.

Wren opened the pack of hotdogs and started putting them on the grill.

“Echo really likes you, Crosshair told me,” Tulip said.

Althea’s eyes opened bigger. “Oh really?”

“Yeah- Hunter mentioned that Echo likes someone from the hospital. Like really likes. But he’s unsure of himself,” Wren said.

“Cross is not really crazy about Jesse and Kix.” Tulip glanced at the house. “They are family and all adults now but I guess they’ve had their differences when they were younger.”

“Yeah I kind of noticed there’s like a tension between the guys in there,” Althea mused.

“Hunter is ok with them, they’re not bad guys they just are different,” Wren said.

“Hard to handle?” Althea smirked.

“Yeah, that's a good way of putting it, especially Jesse. He’s pretty hot headed.”

“Which is funny ‘cause he’s a firefighter.” said Tulip.

“We’ll watch the game at a local pub and they are there sometimes with other guys from their crews and they are definitely rowdy.” Wren divulged.

“Mmmhm, I know the type.” Althea said.

“Whatcha doing?” Omega asked from the back door.

“Just girl time, with some hotdogs,” Tulip said in her best Jennifer Coolidge impression as she pulled the done ones onto a plate. Everyone laughed. Omega peaked over her shoulder and closed the door.

“So, Allie, who are you picking?”

Althea choked on her fizzy water she’d just sipped.

“Omega…” Wren said in the tone Hunter usually warns her in.

“We were just talking about that,” Tulip smirked.

“Well I think you’re going to have to pick soon because the guys are starting to argue about you.”

Taglist: @adamime @substantial-exposure @clonethirstingisreal @crosshairs-dumb-pimp-gf

🌺If you’d like to be added just let me know🌺

[zhalfirin-binds]

New paper haul arrived Thank you @renato-crepaldi for, once again, wonderful work!

I know I said I wanted to wait till I have done more with the papers I already own. Well, I failed. I start to feel I have enough now to actually use them on my projects though and I already have a few in mind.

Patterns

Waved Nonpareil

The waved nonpareil has an almost three dimensional look to it (sadly that is hard to catch on photo). It also never ceases to amaze me how different the impression of the same pattern can be when looking at it from a different angle.

Waved Gelgit

Gelgit

Waved Gelgit

This one was my freebie this time and I'm absolutely in love with those colours!

[lovekindled]

dance, sender sticks a hand out to receiver and invites them to dance. / Eddie <3

the rush of being on stage was something nonpareil to anything eddie had ever felt before, and hoping to prolong the feeling afterwards alongside his bandmates was now part of their post-concert routine. after a while, different cities and faces started to blur together, indistinguishable from their previous opponents. except new york city was different, set apart from the rest of venues and crowds. the rest of the band had vanished from his side, possibly seeking to squeeze every bit of pleasure and amusement the night had to offer. the enjoyable buzzing settling across his body comes from the less than sensible number of drinks he's had, paired with what he started consuming with the rest of the band before the concert. it's nothing out of the ordinary, following the same pattern every day, wishing to make the most out of the tour.

that's why it's easy to accept the invitation, even when there's a certain surprise hiding in his features. eddie isn't used to being chosen first, much less by someone as striking as her. while following a rhythm with his instrument had always come naturally, he's quick to learn that his body doesn't possess the same talent. sending an apologetic smile her way, he takes a step closer hoping to carry his voice over the loudness of the music. “ i'm not much of a dancer. ” he admits, but continues moving his body, hoping he doesn't look as awkward as he feels. “ but i saw you on the stage. you were incredible ! ” and it almost makes him feel better, because he doubts anyone could imitate her level of skill.

⁽  ⠀  ♡  ⠀  ⁾ ⠀  actions speak louder than words   ,   accepting.

[smitheliana89]

Candy Cane Cookie Decorating Ideas for Kids

Decorating cookies is a delightful holiday activity for kids, and candy cane cookies provide the perfect canvas for creativity. Their iconic shape and festive colors make them an ideal choice for holiday cookie decorating. Whether you’re hosting a holiday party or looking for a fun activity at home, these candy cane cookie decorating ideas are sure to keep the little ones entertained while sparking their creativity. Here are some fun and easy decorating ideas that kids of all ages will love.

1. Classic Red and White Stripes

For young kids or beginners, the classic red and white striped candy cane design is both simple and striking. After baking the cookies, let the kids use red icing or edible markers to create the signature stripes on the cookies. You can help them outline the stripes with white icing to ensure they look neat and clean. For a bit of extra fun, sprinkle red or white sugar crystals over the icing while it’s still wet to give the stripes a bit of sparkle.

2. Colorful Sprinkles and Sugar

A quick and easy way to make candy cane cookies more festive is by adding colorful sprinkles and sugar. After applying a base layer of white icing or frosting, provide an assortment of sprinkles—think red and green sugar crystals, colorful nonpareils, or even edible glitter. Kids can sprinkle these over the cookies for a playful and sparkly effect. Not only does this add a pop of color, but it also adds a fun texture to the cookies, making them irresistible.

3. Candy Cane Cookie Faces

For a cute and whimsical twist, let the kids turn their candy cane cookies into little characters by adding faces. Using black icing or chocolate chips, kids can draw on eyes and a smiling mouth. For even more creativity, you can make a Santa face by adding a red icing hat and a white icing beard. You could also create snowmen, reindeer, or other fun characters by adding small candies, such as red hots for noses or chocolate sprinkles for antlers.

4. Drizzle with Chocolate

Kids love chocolate, so adding a chocolate drizzle is an easy way to make candy cane cookies even more exciting. After frosting the cookies with white icing, melt some chocolate chips in the microwave and drizzle the melted chocolate over the top in zigzag patterns. You can even let the kids dip half of their cookies in melted chocolate and then sprinkle crushed peppermint or mini marshmallows over the top. The combination of chocolate and peppermint is always a holiday favorite.

5. Add Mini Candies and Marshmallows

Turn your candy cane cookies into a candy-filled treat by adding small candies or marshmallows. After applying a layer of icing, give the kids an assortment of tiny candy toppings such as mini M&Ms, jelly beans, or peppermint candies to decorate their cookies. Mini marshmallows can be arranged at the ends of the candy cane to create the appearance of a fluffy pom-pom. Kids will love choosing which candy to add, and the results are both delicious and adorable.

6. Sprinkle with Edible Glitter

For a magical touch, add a dusting of edible glitter to the cookies. After decorating the candy canes with icing or frosting, lightly sprinkle the glitter over the top. The glitter will catch the light, giving the cookies a shimmering, festive effect. It’s a simple way to make the cookies look extra special without a lot of effort.

Final Thoughts

Candy cane cookie decorating is a fun, interactive activity that will keep kids engaged while also letting them showcase their creativity. Whether they’re adding colorful sprinkles, chocolate drizzles, or creating candy cane faces, the possibilities are endless. Not only do these decorating ideas add to the holiday spirit, but they also provide a tasty treat at the end of the activity. This holiday season, take some time to gather the kids around the table and enjoy decorating these festive, flavorful cookies together.

[mysteriouslyluckyblizzard]

In the ever-changing humankind of forge, staying relevant is key. Trends follow and go, but some iconic pieces deal to withstand the prove of clip. One such point is the Superman Hawaiian shirt.Combining the classic appeal of the Hawaiian shirt with the iconic Superman symbolization, this unique garment captures the attending of forge enthusiasts and comic volume fans likewise. But what makes it standstill out amidst the mass of options useable in the market?Firstly, the Superman Hawaiian shirt taps into the popularity of superheroes. With the ascension of superhero movies and the so steady growing fan baseborn, incorporating superhero-themed apparel into everyday don is a smartness go. The shirt allows individuals to showcase their passion for Superman in a fun and fashionable way.Another conclude for its continued relevancy is the versatility it offers. Hawaiian shirts are known for their everyday and mellow vibe, making them nonpareil for very various occasions. Whether it's a beach party, a summertime assemblage, or a insouciant day out, the Superman Hawaiian shirt can be polished up or downwards to accommodate any setting.Additionally, the plan of the shirt itself contributes to its unique invoke. The compounding of the Superman allegory with really vivacious Hawaiian patterns adds a playful twist to the traditional superhero merchandise. This dynamical fusion of two distinguishable styles creates an eye-catching and memorable look.Moreover, the Superman Hawaiian shirt is not qualified to a specific gender or age group. Its universal appealingness allows anyone to encompass their intimate superhero and make a fashion statement. This inclusivity farther showcases its relevancy and ensures its continued popularity.Lastly, the calibre and craftsmanship of the Superman Hawaiian shirt make it a long-lasting investiture. Designed with comfort and durability in brain, it can withstand the run of clip and multiple wears. Its power to defend its vivacious colours and fit even after legion, washes ensures that it remains a staple in your closet for years to come.In end, the Superman Hawaiian shirt remains relevant due to its power to tap into the superhero trend, its versatility, very unique design, inclusivity, and long-lasting quality. So, whether you're a comic volume fan, a forge partisan, or simply someone sounding for a standout piece, the Superman Hawaiian shirt is your go-to prime,. Embrace the timeless charm of this iconic garment and let your interior superhero beam!

Relate : https://maximumparadisesandwich.tumblr.com/post/740156957570351104/are-you-ready-to-wee-a-bold-forge-statement-look

May Be You Like This Product:

https://linkhay.com/blog/991596/i-love-nick-castellanos-t-shirt-749

https://linkhay.com/blog/925763/kentucky-wildcats-ncaa-minnie-mouse-ball-t-shirt

https://linkhay.com/blog/923651/ncaa-auburn-tigers-x-disney-mickey-mouse-t-shirt

https://linkhay.com/blog/917662/ncaa-houston-baptist-huskies-x-disney-mickey-mouse-t-shirt

https://linkhay.com/blog/992498/brian-leetch-comet-t-shirt

[maranello-handles]

Door Hinges in Delhi | Maranello Handles

Explore our wide range of door hinges collection in delhi. Crafted and designed for those craving ornate patterns, lustrous finishes, moody and antique palettes with unsurpassable novelty, these stunning hinges are a reflection of nonpareil éclat. Their refined complexity has been fuelled by the designers’ passion for inculcating utility with artistry while challenging set conventions for contemporary designs. Visit U:-

[uwmspeccoll]

Marbled Monday

For this week's Marbled Monday we revisit a book we've shared aspects of before—this is A Floating Diary: A Collection of Words and Wood Engravings Following a Week Afloat on a Narrow Boat by Linda Leatherbarrow. The book was published in London by Little Bird Press in 1980 and contains lovely wood engravings of riverside scenes documenting the author's journey by boat. While a couple of the wood engravings are included here, we shared the rest of them in a previous post which you can find here.

The marbling on the covers is a nonpareil pattern, which is often used as a base for more complex patterns like peacock (also known as bouquet) and feather. This pattern was created using maroon, tan, and several shades of blue.

View more Marbled Monday posts.

-- Alice, Special Collections Department Manager

[wholesalesugarflowers]

Elevate Your Baking Creations: Bulk Edible Cake Decorations for Every Occasion

Baking enthusiasts and professional pastry chefs alike know the importance of delightful and eye-catching cake decorations. Bulk edible cake decorations offer a convenient and cost-effective way to add a touch of artistry to baked goods for various occasions. In this article, we explore the world of bulk edible cake decorations, their diverse range, and the creative possibilities they unlock.

The Versatility of Bulk Edible Cake Decorations Bulk edible cake decorations come in a wide array of shapes, colors, and designs, making them versatile for any baking project. From shimmering edible glitters and sugar pearls to intricate fondant toppers and wafer paper prints, these decorations cater to various themes and styles. Whether it's a birthday celebration, wedding, baby shower, or holiday festivity, there are edible decorations to suit every occasion. Bakers can unleash their creativity and bring their confectionery masterpieces to life with these charming embellishments.

Convenience and Cost-Effectiveness Purchasing bulk edible cake decorations offers several advantages for both amateur bakers and professionals. Buying in bulk not only saves money but also ensures a consistent supply of decorations for multiple projects. This convenience eliminates the need to source individual decorations for each cake, streamlining the baking process. Moreover, bulk decorations are typically packaged in resealable containers, preserving their freshness and extending their shelf life, making them a practical and economical choice for avid bakers.

Edible Glitters and Sparkling Accents Edible glitters and sparkling accents add a touch of magic and glamor to cakes and cupcakes. Available in an array of colors, these decorations create a mesmerizing effect, especially under the glow of candlelight. Edible glitters are often made from sugar or gum arabic and are completely safe for consumption. They can be sprinkled over frostings, used to highlight specific cake details, or even blended into edible paints for customized designs.

Sugar Pearls and Dragees Sugar pearls and dragees are classic cake decorations that add elegance and sophistication to any dessert. These tiny, pearl-like sugar balls come in various sizes and colors, allowing bakers to choose the perfect adornment for their creations. Sugar pearls can be used to embellish borders, create intricate patterns, or simply add a touch of texture and luxury to cakes. Dragees, on the other hand, are metallic-coated sugar balls that lend a glamorous touch to wedding cakes and formal events.

Fondant Toppers and Wafer Paper Prints Bulk edible cake decorations also include fondant toppers and wafer paper prints, which offer intricate designs and lifelike details. Fondant toppers can be shaped into various figures, flowers, or objects, adding a personalized touch to cakes for special occasions. Wafer paper prints feature edible ink designs that can be applied to cakes, cupcakes, and cookies, transforming them into edible works of art. These decorations offer a fantastic way to customize cakes with unique themes or personalized messages.

For More Info:-

Sugar Crystals

Sugar Sprinkles

Decorative Sprinkles

Nonpareils Sprinkles

[zhalfirin-binds]

New paper haul by @renato-crepaldi

I know I must do something with them now (aside from staring admiringly that is). I will try to resist buying more before I have put at least some of them to good use. (No promises made though!)

Patterns:

Fern

Waved Gelgit

Nonpareil

Waved Gelgit

Peacock (this one was my gorgeous and much unexpected freebie. I love how detailed and small patterned it is. I expected it much to be larger and it that has kept me from purchasing the pattern before. Although not as bright and contrasted as other papers, the colours are great too.)

[renato-crepaldi]

Waved Nonpareil is a more traditional marbled paper pattern, one that I don't make very often...This one is marbled with black, red, orange, green, light beige and metallic gold. Will be available at next batch sales on January 11th at UTC 12. 

renatocrepaldi.bigcartel.com

[blessyourhondahurley]

What Does S-A-D Spell?

Destiel Month prompts: Time travel / Cuddling Random word: folk 

(Read on AO3)

One day in early November Castiel realizes that Dean's been quiet lately. That he hasn't been talking much, and when he does, his voice is soft, like there's barely any breath behind it. He's been oddly still, as well. Normally he's a whirl of activity, a dynamo on hunts and a fireball at home, constantly in motion whether fighting, fidgeting, or deep-cleaning the Bunker because it's Wednesday and he's bored. But recently he's been spending the majority of his time in the library, paging through old paperbacks or dozing on the sofa.

He's been sleeping late, eating meager meals, and Castiel doesn't know how to put it into words but he just seems... rather... Insubstantial. It's as if he's fading, disappearing into the pattern of the wallpaper. Castiel is not as full of angelic certainty as he once was, but he is very certain about this: The world needs as much Dean Winchester as possible. He will not stand by and let the Righteous Man dwindle away.

His understanding of human emotions is, he is aware, laughably imperfect. But even he can see that Dean is not happy, not thriving. Castiel attempts to engage his friend in diverting conversation, but receives only lethargic replies. He tries to tempt the man with delicacies, but only polite nibbles are consumed. He even offers the use of his wings as an amusement, prompts the hunter to name a place, or even a time, that Castiel can fly him to for a jaunt, but the offer is waved away.

Finally, in desperation, the angel demands, “What's happened? What's wrong? What can I do??” And Dean, in a slow, tired voice, explains.

“Us lowly human folk, a lot of us get down this time of year, Cas. The weather's turning colder, the daylight's getting scarce, and it kinda saps it right out of us, y'know? It's nobody's fault. M'just kinda low right now.”

“How can I help?”

“I dunno, just hang out with me. It's nice to have company.”

“Would you like to watch a movie?”

“Yeah, sure.”

They start out side by side on the couch. After a while Dean gets chilly, so Castiel pulls a blanket from the ether (it might actually come from the back stock of a Bed Bath & Beyond outside of Scranton, but they can't prove anything and it's Castiel's now). He wraps it around them both, and Dean leans up close against him, saying, “Damn, you're warm,” in a gruff voice.

The movie isn't that great, but they make fun of the cheesy special effects and Dean seems to enjoy himself. After it's over, Castiel hands him a large peppermint hot chocolate with whipped cream and sprinkles (sorry, Starbucks in downtown Manitowoc; you'll have to remake Barbara Albert's order, but Dean needed it more), and his friend gives him a nonpareil-dotted smile in response. It's small, but it's real, and it warms Castiel down to his toes.

They decide to watch another, better movie, and Dean seems more like his usual self then, sharing bits of trivia about how it was made and patiently explaining all of the jokes that Castiel doesn't get. After it's over, Dean says goodnight and starts to walk out of the room, but then he returns and pulls the angel into a hug.

“Thanks for this, man,” he murmurs into Castiel's shoulder. “I had a really nice night. We should do it again.”

“Any time.”

After that, they make movie nights a regular thing. Once a week, then twice a week, then most nights of the week they meet on the couch. By December, they're laying down to watch, Castiel stretched out on his back with Dean cuddling up on top of him. Castiel leaves kisses in his hair and Dean strokes his fingers along his boyfriend's ribs when the movie gets dull. Loving and being loved isn't a cure-all for Dean's low mood, but it makes the sad times easier.

Also Castiel gets him a light box, because living in an underground bunker with no windows probably isn't helping with Dean's seasonal depression. (The Best Buy in northern Sacramento will probably never miss it.)

[dannyebru]

Nonpareil paper #ebru #papermarbling #art #marbledmonday #arte #kunst #marbled #vibrant #pattern #zen #meditation #marbling #artstudio #pdx #handmade #marbledpaper #nonpareil #artist #dannyebru

[uwmspeccoll]

Marbled Monday

We return to Trianon Press's publications of William Blake's works this week, this time taking a look at William Blake's Illustrations of the Book of Job. It is similar to other Trianon Press works we have shared, with a leather and marbled paper half-binding. These two volumes slide into a single slipcase to protect them, which is part of the reason the marbling is in such good shape. These are part of a set with a group of colored plates of Blake's illustrations for the Book of Job that comes in its very own slipcase.

The marbling is a nonpareil pattern, one of the most foundational patterns in marbling. Nonpareil uses usually a stone or Turkish pattern base followed by a gelgit (zigzag) pattern that is ultimately combed to create the small lines or arches seen in the final pattern. This example uses shades of blue and tan to create the pattern.

View more posts about the Trianon Press.

View more Marbled Monday posts.

-- Alice, Special Collections Department Manager

[houseofflow]

Creativity is a nonpareil whereby something new and some way or another important thing is formed. Creativity is characterised by the ability to perceive the world in new ways, to find hidden patterns, to make connections between seemingly unrelated phenomena, and to generate solutions. 

For More Info., :  https://houseofflow.org/

[renato-crepaldi]

Bespoke marbled paper designed for a very special fine edition book. Olive green and brick red Nonpareil pattern, with metallic gold and metallic bronze in the background, with metallic bright bronze spots on top.